Chorlton - Alderley Edge (October 2024)

Via the Cheshire Way (avoiding Sale Canal).

The route through Sale to Ashley was good and mostly quiet. Notably the route over the M56 is more treacherous as the only viable option is the main road - Tatton Estate prohibit cycles using the Ashley Road footpath.

After joining the Cheshire Way the route continued to be main road with a fair amount of fast traffic. Near the end - after Warford - the route became quiet country lane until the 40mph turn off for Alderley Edge.

Route after Ashley not recommended, but bodes well for onward travel towards Prestbury.

Chorlton - Ashley (August 2024)

A potential route onto the Cheshire Way avoiding Sale Canal.

Note: the section through Sale is untested.

Note: the Clay Lane section is untested.

Note: when coming off Shay Road, use the pavement on the other side to get to the junction.

Chorlton - Chester (April 2024)

Generally great route, with good surfaces and lovely scenery along the Cheshire Way. Before that, the route along the canal past Sale and along the old Lymn railway is pleasant, if awkward avoiding pedestrians. Mostly quiet roads, except for Delamere Forest (day trippers) and Acton Bridge (busy main road). Train back from Chester had plenty of bike spaces.

Chorlton - Airport - Mobberley Loop (April 2024)

Short version: the Cheshire Cycleway saved the day.

The first part of the route - from Chorlton up until the Cheshire Cycleway (Chorley) - was poor: busy roads, non-cycle-friendly gates, poor surfaces, muddy / bumpy paths - bridleways - being classed as cycle routes, etc. The Cheshire Cycleway (from Chorley) is great though: lovely quiet roads, good surface, lots of beautiful villages and scenery. Prior to this the route was called something like "Loraine's Run", most of which was poor quality as described earlier - shame, as it sounds like it's dedicated to a cyclist. Before that, the route to the airport - 56 / 85 - is similarly difficult to use and fragmented in many places. Going back to Chorlton, the old Lymn railway cycleway is beautiful, and the cycle up along canal through is pretty pleasant - aside from having to weave around people every few seconds - especially on a warm(er) sunny day.